Raleigh Charter High School

CHORAL HANDBOOK

Honors Mixed Ensemble

2016-2017

Dr. Cynthia Clark Brown Conductor [email protected] www.raleighcharterhs.org/faculty/cbrown 919.715.1155, Extension 3213 Raleigh Charter High School 1307 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27605

Dr. Cynthia Clark Brown Director of Choral Activities [email protected] www.raleighcharterhs.org/faculty/cbrown

5 August 2016

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome to Raleigh Charter High School and the 2016-20167school year. I trust that your summer was wonderful and that you are excited about our work together this year.

In this handbook are procedures, guidelines, and a syllabus. Please look over this information carefully; then print and sign the acknowledgment form at the end of this handbook. Your signatures verify that you understand the requirements and the dates that are included. I encourage you to take the time now to place the dates on your calendars. Your student should return this acknowledgement form no later than Wednesday, August 17. You can refer to the syllabus throughout the year by accessing it on my website.

Helpful websites for the year will be the RCHS site (www.raleighcharterhs.org) and my web site (www.raleighcharterhs.org/faculty/cbrown).

I would like to invite all parents of choral students to a meeting on Tuesday, August 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the Music Room (Room 212). This time will afford us an opportunity to look at the year ahead and to address needs and concerns.

I look forward to our work together this year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cynthia C. Brown Honors Mixed Ensemble Raleigh Charter High School 2016-2017 Dr. Cynthia Clark Brown [email protected]; www.raleighcharterhs.org

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared with what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Course Description In this course, choral literature is studied in both classical and contemporary fields. The method of study is of a more global nature, integrating singing and vocal health with music theory, music history and appreciation, and the development of listening and sightreading skills. No prerequisites are required. Students will however be required to perform outside the regular class period.

Objectives of the Course 1. To develop a choral ensemble to its greatest potential. 2. To integrate singing and choral literature with music theory, music history and appreciation, socio-cultural background and the development of listening and sightreading skills. 3. To perform a variety of choral literature from all historical periods and from contemporary repertoire.

Requirements of the Course 1. Respectful attitude and cooperation (paying attention and participating in rehearsals, having all necessary music and a pencil at each rehearsal, following directions, not talking during rehearsal) 2. Singing accuracy (small group and individual testing) 3. Development of music knowledge and skills (quizzes in music theory, sightreading, music history and appreciation, diction) 4. Attendance and Participation in Performances Winter Concert: Monday, December 5 Spring Concert: Monday, May 15 Unexcused absences from the Winter or Spring performances will result in lowering the respective semester grade by seven (7) points. In addition, students are expected to be present for the entire concert which usually lasts from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on the concert nights. Please be aware that these dates could be changed. If this happens, every effort will be made to give timely information on any changes that take place. Music Performance Adjudication (MPA): TBA This event is a required performance. Unexcused absences from this event will result in lowering the respective semester grade by seven (7) points. Various informal performances and community service opportunities 5. Projects and papers

Concert Dress:

Each singer and their family should order their own formal wear by Sept. 14th at Stage Accents

Ladies: http://www.stageaccents.com/quick_delivery/product/2519/ Men: http://www.stageaccents.com/mens_formal/product/2625/ Evaluation

Grading will be determined according to the following scale:

90.100 A 80.89 B 70.79 C 60-69 D 59-0 F

Late work will be graded as follows: 1 day late -3 points 2 days late -7 points 3+ days late 70%

Final grade will be determined as follows: Classroom attitude and cooperation* 20% Singing accuracy 30% Individual Testing (10%) Singing Tests (20%) Written Tests 20% Homework 15% Projects 15%

*Attitude and Cooperation

A Student comes to class prepared, arriving on time and ready to participate in class. Student is attentive and always responds when called on. Student volunteers often and any questions or comments the student makes are pertinent.

B Student is usually prepared. Student always responds when called on and volunteers on occasion. Student is attentive and asks only appropriate questions and makes pertinent comments.

C Student shows evidence of being unprepared on occasion. Student may also arrive late or leave early in some instances. Student responds when called upon.

D Student is unprepared and/or inattentive. Student rarely volunteers. Student may ask unnecessary questions or make inappropriate comments.

F Student exhibits lack of concern for the class. His or her behavior may have a negative effect on the class. CHORAL REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES  Be in your seat with your music, pencil and notebook at the beginning of the period.  Prepare your music rehearsal order as indicated on the white board.  You may talk quietly until the director steps on the podium, at which time all talking stops.  No talking during rehearsal without the director’s permission.  No gum, food, or drink (except capped water) in the rehearsal room.  Only pencils are to be used during rehearsal, quizzes or tests/exams. Marks in music should be in pencil only and of a general nature.

IMPORTANT DATES  See the syllabus  Other dates may be added. You will be informed of these dates in a timely manner.

CLASS PARTICIPATION  Students should bring their music, notebook, and a pencil to class every day. An announcement will be made in class for bringing in theory books.  Students are to participate every day, even if they are sick. They are expected to follow along, listen, and remain in their seats. They will not be allowed to do other homework.

MUSIC  Students will be issued music and a folder. This music is school property and must not be lost or damaged beyond use. Any student losing music is responsible for replacing it or paying the cost of the materials.  Music should be marked in pencil only and all marks should be of a general nature. RCHS 2016-2017 Choral Dates

August 16 Lunch NC Honors Chorus Initial Meeting (Required for participation!) August 16 6:00-7:00 Choral Parents Meeting, Room 212 ! August 17 Acknowledgement Form Due August 23 Lunch All-State Initial Meeting (Required for participation!) + September 14 Formal Wear is ordered by each student/family + September 21 Romantic Era Prospectus Due September 24 TBA NC Honors Choir East Auditions, Meredith College November 5-6 NC Honors Chorus at NCMEA Conference, Winston-Salem November 15 3:00-4:30 Winter Concert Solo Auditions, Room 212 All auditions must be at performance quality and 5 minutes or less in duration. + November 21 6:00-7:00 Romantic Era Seminar Night (parents invited) ! December 5 6:30-9:30 Winter Choral Concert, Peace University ! December 7 All Late Work Due December 14-16 Mid-Year Exams January 3 Lunch All-State Meeting (Required for participation!) + March 6-8 Choral MPA, Meredith College + March 8 Contemporary Era Seminar Prospectus Due March 14 6:00-7:00 Tri-M Inductions, Room 212 April (TBA) 3:00-6:00 All-State Zone Rehearsal, Location TBA +April 24 6:00-7:00 Contemporary Era Seminar Night (parents are invited) April 25 3:00-4:30 Spring Concert Solo Auditions, Room 212 All auditions must be at performance quality and 5 minutes or less in duration. May 5-6 NC All-State Choral Festival (Raleigh) May 9 3:00-4:30 Senior Graduation Music Auditions, Room 212 All auditions must be at performance quality and 5 minutes or less in duration. ! May 10 All Late Work Due ! May 15 6:30-9:30 Spring Choral Concert, Peace University May 25-June 2 Final Exams

! Required for All Choral Students

+ Required for Honors Ensembles Only (Mixed Ensemble and Women’s Ensemble) RCHS Choral Handbook Acknowledgment Form

I have read this handbook and syllabus carefully, noted all dates (performances, state and regional events), and understand the requirements and expectations for this RCHS choral ensemble. (Please write legibly.)

______Parent Signature Student Signature

Address: ______

Home Phone: ______Work Phone: ______

Parent E-mail: ______

Student E-mail: ______

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17.